The Flu and You

By JoEllen Bleavins, RN, MBA
Senior Vice President of Management

h1n1The flu season this year may be more severe because of the recent emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus in addition to regular seasonal flu viruses.

With the seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications.  This includes individuals who are 65 or older; children younger than five; pregnant women; and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

The same does not appear to be true with the H1N1 virus, according to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  At least so far, older adults do not appear to be at increased risk from H1N1-related complications while people under 60 are.  This is likely connected to laboratory tests conducted by the CDC that show that no children and few adults under 60 have any existing antibodies while one-third of adults 60 and older may have antibodies against the H1N1 virus.

As a result, older adults are not likely to receive priority for obtaining the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available, especially if quantities are limited.  The latest information from the CDC is that a 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available some time this fall, pending the results of clinical trials.

Reports indicate that the seasonal flu vaccine is not likely to provide protection against the H1N1 virus.

In the meantime, we encourage you to take all of the standard precautions to protect yourself as much as you can against getting sick from the seasonal flu and H1N1.

● Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or handkerchief.  If one is not available, cough or sneeze into your shirt or blouse sleeve rather than into you hand.
● Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you sneeze or cough.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners also can help.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
● Avoid close contact with sick people.

If you become sick, limit your contact with other people to help limit the spread of the disease.

At BMA managed communities, we also are taking precautions.  We have alcohol-based hand cleaners available and are asking anyone with flu-like symptoms not to enter the community.  We have also reviewed protection procedures with our staff.

Among the symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and possibly vomiting and diarrhea.  Some individuals may have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

The CDC cites the following warning signs that an adult is in need of urgent medical attention:

● Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
● Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
● Sudden dizziness.
● Confusion.
● Severe or persistent vomiting.
● If flu-like symptoms improve but then return with a fever and cough that are worse.

If you should ever be in doubt, do not hesitate to call you doctor or seek medical attention.

For more information, we have posted an Informational Guide about the Flu that was prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or visit  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm


All affordable assisted living communities managed by BMA Management, Ltd. are certified and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. All assisted living communities are licensed and surveyed by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“BMA Management, Ltd. is the leading provider of assisted living in Illinois
and one of the 20 largest providers of assisted living in the United States.”

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Gardant Management Solutions has 20+ years of industry-acclaimed operational history in developing, managing and consulting for senior living, assisted living and memory care communities.